Agricultural Marketing Service 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Results 101 - 150 of 169
Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Program: Request for Referendum
Document Number: E8-11554
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-05-23
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) intends to conduct a Request for Referendum among eligible pork producers and importers of hogs, pigs, pork, and pork products to determine if those persons want a referendum on the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order (Order), commonly known as the Pork Checkoff Program, as authorized by the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act of 1985. The Request for Referendum is being conducted as a result of a settlement of a lawsuit entered into February 28, 2001, with USDA and the Michigan Pork Producers Association, Inc., et al. (Plaintiffs). Under the settlement agreement, USDA will conduct a Request for Referendum among eligible pork producers and importers to determine whether producers and importers favor holding a referendum on the Pork Checkoff Program. Eligible producers and importers will be able to participate during a specified period announced by USDA. If the Request for Referendum indicates that 15 percent of the total number of eligible producers and importers want a referendum on the Pork Checkoff Program, the referendum will be conducted within 1 year after the results of the Request for Referendum are announced. If results of the Request for Referendum indicate that a referendum is not supported, a referendum would not be conducted. AMS also is withdrawing in this issue of the Federal Register, the proposed rule concerning submission of information that was published on March 13, 2003 [68 FR 11996].
National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Program
Document Number: E8-11355
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-05-21
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This final rule amends the Fluid Milk Promotion Order (Order) by reducing the burden of late-payment charges applied to processors who mistakenly underreport the amount of assessments owed to the National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board (Board), provided that the processor has not made more than two reporting errors in the prior 12 months.
Establishment of Honey Packers and Importers Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order and Suspension of Assessments Under the Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Order
Document Number: 08-1282
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-05-21
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This final rule establishes the Honey Packers and Importers Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order (Packers Order). The Packers Order is authorized under the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 (1996 Act). Under the Packers Order, first handlers and importers will pay an assessment of $0.01 per pound on honey and honey products. First handlers and importers of less than 250,000 pounds of honey and honey products annually will be exempt from the assessment. The assessments will be remitted to the Honey Packers and Importers Board (Board) to conduct a generic program of promotion, research, consumer education, and industry information to maintain and expand markets for honey and honey products. A referendum was conducted among honey first handlers and importers between April 2 and April 16, 2008. Seventy-eight percent of those covered under the Packers Orderrepresenting ninety-two percent of the volume of those voting in the referendumfavored implementation of the program. This rule also suspends the requirement of the existing Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Order (Current Order) and regulations authorized under the Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (Honey Act) that honey producers and importers pay to the National Honey Board (Current Board) an assessment in the amount of $0.01 per pound on honey and honey products. The provisions of the Current Order and regulations issued thereunder will be terminated at a later date.
United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Okra
Document Number: E8-10845
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-05-16
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
Notice is hereby given that the comment period for the proposed notice to revise the United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Okra is being reopened and extended.
Livestock Mandatory Reporting; Reestablishment and Revision of the Reporting Regulation for Swine, Cattle, Lamb, and Boxed Beef
Document Number: E8-10185
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-05-16
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
On April 2, 2001, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) implemented the Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR) program as required by the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act of 1999 (1999 Act). The statutory authority for the program lapsed on September 30, 2005. In October 2006, legislation was enacted to reauthorize the 1999 Act until September 30, 2010, and to amend the swine reporting requirements of the 1999 Act (Pub. L. 109-296) (Reauthorization Act). This final rule will re-establish the regulatory authority for the program's continued operation and incorporate the swine reporting changes contained within the Reauthorization Act as well as make other changes to enhance the program's overall effectiveness and efficiency based on AMS' experience in the administration of the program over the last 6 years.
Increase in Fees and Charges for Egg, Poultry, and Rabbit Grading; Correction
Document Number: E8-10821
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-05-15
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This document contains corrections to the final regulations that were published in the Federal Register on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 (72 FR 11773) related to the fees and charges for Federal voluntary egg, poultry, and rabbit grading found in sections 7 CFR 56.54(a)(2), 7 CFR 70.76(a)(2) and 7 CFR 70.77(a)(5). The final regulations that are the subject of these corrections were to increase the minimum fees for rabbit grading and for non-resident egg and poultry grading services that had been effective since September 25, 2005. Although the increases were included in the supplementary information, they were inadvertently omitted in the regulatory language.
Avocados Grown in South Florida and Imported Avocados; Revision of the Maturity Requirements
Document Number: E8-10462
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-05-12
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule revises the maturity requirements currently prescribed for avocados grown in South Florida and for avocados imported into the United States that are shipped to the fresh market. The Avocado Administrative Committee (Committee) which locally administers the marketing order for avocados grown in South Florida recommended the change for Florida avocados. A corresponding change in the import regulation is also required under section 8e of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937. This rule requires that avocados which fail the maturity requirements and are reworked and presented for reinspection must meet the maturity requirements which correspond to the date of the original inspection. This rule will help ensure only mature avocados are shipped to the fresh market.
Olives Grown in California; Decreased Assessment Rate
Document Number: E8-10426
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-05-09
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule which decreased the assessment rate established for the California Olive Committee (committee) for the 2008 and subsequent fiscal years from $47.84 to $15.60 per assessable ton of olives handled. The committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of olives grown in California. Assessments upon olive handlers are used by the committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal year began January 1 and ends December 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Milk in the Appalachian and Southeast Marketing Areas; Correction
Document Number: 08-1239
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-05-09
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This document contains corrections to the regulations that were published in the March 17, 2008 Federal Register (73 FR 14153). The regulations inadvertently omitted language in Sec. 1005.13 paragraphs (d)(3) and (d)(4), and Sec. 1007.13 paragraphs (d)(3) and (d)(4) that provide for a zero diversion limit standard on loads of milk requesting transportation credits. This document corrects the final regulations by revising these sections.
Sorghum Promotion, Research, and Information Order
Document Number: E8-9327
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-05-06
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule establishes an industry-funded promotion, research, and information program for sorghum, which includes but is not limited to, grain sorghum, sorghum forage, sorghum hay, sorghum haylage, sorghum billets, and sorghum silage. For the purpose of clarity, the term sorghum means all the above mentioned types of sorghum unless specifically identified otherwise. The Sorghum Promotion, Research, and Information Order (Order) is implemented under the authority of the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 (Act). The Order will establish a national Sorghum Promotion, Research, and Information Board (Board) comprised initially of 13 sorghum producers. Producers and importers will pay assessments based on the value of the sorghum they produce or import. A referendum will be conducted 3 years after assessments begin to determine if sorghum producers and importers favor the program.
Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: E8-9652
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-05-02
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget, for an extension of the currently approved information collection used to compile and generate grain and molasses market news reports.
Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: E8-9650
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-05-02
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget, for an extension of the currently approved information collection used to compile and generate the Federally Inspected Estimated Daily Slaughter Report for the Livestock and Grain Market News Branch.
United States Standards for Grades of Pineapples
Document Number: E8-9649
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-05-02
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
A notice was published in the Federal Register (73 FR 7245- 7246) dated February 7, 2008, revising the United States Standards for Grades of Pineapples, issued under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621-1627) effective March 10, 2008. However, in section 51.1489, Application of Tolerances, the words ``packages'' and ``containers'' were incorrectly listed. The correct words should have been ``samples'' and ``sample.'' This document corrects the standards by revising this section.
Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California; Revisions to Requirements Regarding Off-Grade Raisins
Document Number: E8-8639
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-04-22
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This proposed rule invites comments on revising the requirements regarding off-grade raisins under the Federal marketing order for California raisins (order). The order regulates the handling of raisins produced from grapes grown in California and is administered locally by the Raisin Administrative Committee (Committee). This proposed rule would revise the requirement that notification handlers must provide to the inspection service and the Committee when they perform certain functions on off-grade raisins be in writing, thereby allowing them to use other means of communication, including e-mail. This proposed rule would also remove the requirement that handlers submit reports to the Committee regarding transfers of off-grade and other failing raisins. This action would bring the order's administrative rules and regulations in line with current industry practices.
Plant Variety Protection Board; Open Teleconference Meeting
Document Number: E8-8553
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-21
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This notice sets forth the schedule and proposed agenda of a forthcoming teleconference meeting of the Plant Variety Protection Board. Notice of this meeting is required under section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. This document is intended to notify the general public of their opportunity to attend the meeting.
Marketing Order Regulating the Handling of Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West; Salable Quantities and Allotment Percentages for the 2008-2009 Marketing Year
Document Number: E8-8468
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-04-21
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule establishes the quantity of spearmint oil produced in the Far West, by class that handlers may purchase from, or handle for, producers during the 2008-2009 marketing year, which begins on June 1, 2008. This rule establishes salable quantities and allotment percentages for Class 1 (Scotch) spearmint oil of 993,067 pounds and 50 percent, respectively, and for Class 3 (Native) spearmint oil of 1,184,748 pounds and 53 percent, respectively. The Spearmint Oil Administrative Committee (Committee), the agency responsible for local administration of the marketing order for spearmint oil produced in the Far West, recommended these limitations for the purpose of avoiding extreme fluctuations in supplies and prices to help maintain stability in the spearmint oil market.
Onions Grown in South Texas; Increased Assessment Rate
Document Number: 08-1149
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-04-18
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule increases the assessment rate established for the South Texas Onion Committee (Committee) for the 2007-08 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.02 to $0.03 per 50-pound equivalent of onions handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of onions grown in South Texas. Assessments upon onion handlers are used by the Committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal period begins August 1 and ends July 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
User Fees for 2008 Crop Cotton Classification Services to Growers
Document Number: 08-1148
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-04-17
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing to raise user fees for cotton producers for 2008 crop cotton classification services under the Cotton Statistics and Estimates Act. These user fees also are authorized under the Cotton Standards Act of 1923. The 2007 user fee for this classification service was $1.85 per bale. This proposal would raise the fee for the 2008 crop to $2 per bale. The proposed fee and the existing reserve are sufficient to cover the costs of providing classification services, including costs for administration and supervision.
Kiwifruit Grown in California; Continuance Referendum
Document Number: E8-7864
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-04-14
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This document directs that a continuance referendum be conducted among eligible California kiwifruit growers to determine whether they favor continuance of the marketing order regulating the handling of kiwifruit grown in California.
National Dairy Promotion and Research Program; Section 610 Review
Document Number: E8-7863
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-04-14
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This document summarizes the results of an Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) review of the National Dairy Promotion and Research Program (National Dairy Program) conducted under the Dairy Promotion and Research Order (Dairy Order), under the criteria contained in Section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA). Based upon its review, AMS has determined that the Dairy Order should be continued without change.
Marketing Order Regulating the Handling of Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West; Revision of the Salable Quantity and Allotment Percentage for Class 3 (Native) Spearmint Oil for the 2007-2008 Marketing Year
Document Number: E8-7866
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-04-11
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule revising the quantity of Class 3 (Native) spearmint oil that handlers may purchase from, or handle for, producers during the 2007-2008 marketing year. This rule continues in effect the action that increased the Native spearmint oil salable quantity from 1,162,336 pounds to 1,172,956 pounds, and the allotment percentage from 48 percent to 53 percent. The marketing order regulates the handling of spearmint oil produced in the Far West and is administered locally by the Spearmint Oil Administrative Committee (Committee). The Committee recommended this rule for the purpose of avoiding extreme fluctuations in supplies and prices and to help maintain stability in the Far West spearmint oil market.
Pistachios Grown in California; Change in Reporting Requirements
Document Number: 08-1109
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-04-07
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule changes the current reporting requirements prescribed under the California pistachio marketing order (order). The order regulates the handling of pistachios grown in California and is administered locally by the Administrative Committee for Pistachios (committee). These changes will modify one existing committee form and add a new form to a currently-approved information collection. The information collected will require handlers to report production and producer data, enabling the committee to obtain better information for preparing its annual marketing policy statement and conducting committee nominations and periodic referenda under the order.
Notice of Meeting of the National Organic Standards Board
Document Number: 08-1097
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-04-04
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is announcing a forthcoming meeting of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB).
Pork Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Program; Section 610 Review
Document Number: E8-6246
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-03-27
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This action announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) review of the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Program (Program), which is conducted under the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order (Order), under the criteria contained in section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA).
Regulations Under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, 1930; Section 610 Review
Document Number: E8-5750
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-03-21
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This notice announces that the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) plans to review the Regulations (Other than Rules of Practice) under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, 1930, as amended, under the criteria contained in section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA).
Notice of Request for a New Information Collection
Document Number: E8-5749
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-03-21
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for a new information collection survey of customers, related to the delivery of services by AMS under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, 1930, as amended (PACA). This voluntary survey would give customers of the PACA program an opportunity to provide feedback to AMS on the quality of the service they receive via the PACA Customer Service Line. It would also give them an opportunity to indicate what new PACA services, if any, that they would like to receive.
Potatoes; Grade Standards
Document Number: 08-1058
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-03-21
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule revises the United States Standards for Grades of Potatoes. These standards are issued under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946. The rule provides en route or at destination tolerances for the U.S. No. 1 and U.S. No. 2 grades, revises current tolerances in all grades, deletes the U.S. Extra No. 1 grade and ``Unclassified'' section, and defines damage and serious damage by the following defects which will be added to Table III of the External Defects section: Cuts, Clipped Ends, Elephant Hide, Flattened or Depressed Areas/Pressure Bruises, Grub Damage, Nematode (Root Knot), Rodent or Bird Damage, Russeting, Silver Scurf, Sunken Discolored Areas, and Surface Cracks. The following defects and scoring guidelines that are currently listed in Table III of the External Defects section are also revised to reflect current inspection instructions: Air Cracks, Bruises, External Discoloration, Flea Beetle Injury, Greening, Growth Cracks, Rhizoctonia, Pitted Scab, Russet Scab, Surface Scab, and Wireworm or Grass Damage. Also, changes to the current scoring guide for sprouts are being made. In the Internal Defects section, Internal Black Spot is revised by implementing a color chip to assist in the scoring of this defect. Also, Table IV in this section is redesignated as Table I. Additionally, a revised large size is added as well as the inclusion of Chef and Creamer sizes. Most of the changes were the result of the detailed work performed by the Joint U.S./Canadian Potato Council that was charged with harmonizing the U.S. and Canadian Potato Grade Standards. This rule updates and revises the standards to more accurately reflect today's marketing practices.
Peanut Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Amendment to Primary Peanut-Producing States and Adjustment of Membership
Document Number: E8-5652
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-03-20
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule would add a producer member and alternate from the State of Mississippi to the National Peanut Board (Board). The change was proposed by the Board, which administers the nationally coordinated program, in accordance to the provisions of the Peanut Promotion, Research, and Information Order (Order) which is authorized under the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 (1996 Act). This change is made because Mississippi is now considered a major peanut-producing state based on the Board's review of the geographical distribution of the production of peanuts. The Order requires a review of the geographical distribution of the production of peanuts at least every five years. The addition of a member from Mississippi will provide for additional representation from another primary peanut- producing state.
Pistachios Grown in California; Changes in Handling Requirements
Document Number: E8-5648
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-03-20
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule changing the handling requirements authorized under the California pistachio marketing order (order). The order regulates the handling of pistachios grown in California and is administered locally by the Administrative Committee for Pistachios (committee). This rule continues in effect the action that suspended the minimum quality requirements, including maximum defects and minimum sizes, for California pistachios. This reduces handler costs and provides handlers more flexibility in meeting customer needs.
Pears Grown in Oregon and Washington; Tomatoes Grown in Florida; and Walnuts Grown in California; Section 610 Reviews
Document Number: E8-5360
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-03-18
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This document announces that the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) plans to review Marketing Order 927 (Pears Grown in Oregon and Washington), Marketing Order 966 (Tomatoes Grown in Florida), and Marketing Order 984 (Walnuts Grown in California) under the criteria contained in section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA).
Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines and Tangelos Grown in Florida; Section 610 Review
Document Number: E8-5359
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-03-18
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This action summarizes the results under the criteria contained in section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), of an Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) review of Marketing Order No. 905, regulating the handling of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and tangelos grown in Florida (order). AMS has determined that the order should be continued.
Vidalia Onions Grown in Georgia; Increased Assessment Rate
Document Number: E8-5358
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-03-18
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule would increase the assessment rate established for the Vidalia Onion Committee (Committee) for the 2008 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.10 to $0.13 per 40-pound container of Vidalia onions handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of Vidalia onions grown in Georgia. Assessments upon Vidalia onion handlers are used by the Committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal period begins January 1 and ends December 31. The assessment rate would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Nectarines and Peaches Grown in California; Changes in Handling Requirements for Fresh Nectarines and Peaches
Document Number: E8-5357
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-03-18
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule changes the handling requirements applicable to well matured fruit covered under the nectarine and peach marketing orders (orders). The orders regulate the handling of nectarines and peaches grown in California and are administered locally by the Nectarine Administrative and Peach Commodity Committees (committees). This rule updates the variety-specific size requirements to reflect changes in commercially significant varieties. This will enable handlers to continue to ship fresh nectarines and peaches in a manner that meets consumer needs, increases returns to producers and handlers, and reflects current industry practices.
Milk in the Appalachian, Florida and Southeast Marketing Areas; Interim Order Amending the Orders
Document Number: 08-1038
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-03-17
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This order adjusts the Class I pricing surface of the Appalachian, Southeast and Florida Federal milk marketing orders on an interim basis. In addition, this order amends on an interim basis certain features of the diversion limit, touch-base standards and transportation credit provisions for the Appalachian and Southeast Federal milk marketing orders. More than the required producers approved the issuance of the interim order as amended.
National Organic Program, Sunset Review (2011)
Document Number: E8-5103
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-03-14
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
Sunset of the exempted or prohibited use of substances under the National Organic Program (NOP) is required by the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA). This ANPR announces the sunset of 12 exempted substances added to the National List on September 12, 2006. This ANPR establishes September 12, 2011, as the date by which the sunset review and renewal process must be concluded. This advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) also begins the public comment process on whether the identified existing exemptions should be continued. Finally, this ANPR discusses how the NOP will manage the sunset review and renewal process.
Sweet Onions Grown in the Walla Walla Valley of Southeast Washington and Northeast Oregon; Increased Assessment Rate
Document Number: E8-5102
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-03-14
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule would increase the assessment rate established for the Walla Walla Sweet Onion Marketing Committee (Committee) for the 2008 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.21 to $0.22 per 50-pound bag or equivalent of Walla Walla sweet onions handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of sweet onions grown in the Walla Walla Valley of Southeast Washington and Northeast Oregon. Assessments upon Walla Walla sweet onion handlers are used by the Committee to fund the reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal period begins January 1 and ends December 31. The assessment rate would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP)
Document Number: E8-4234
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-03-05
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announces the availability of approximately $8,440,500 in block grant funds, less USDA administrative costs, to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. State departments of agriculture interested in obtaining grant program funds are invited to submit applications to USDA. State departments of agriculture, meaning agencies, commissions, or departments of a State government responsible for agriculture within the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, are eligible to apply. State departments of agriculture are encouraged to involve industry groups, academia, and community-based organizations in the development of applications and the administration of projects.
Multi Year Increase in Fees and Charges for Egg, Poultry, and Rabbit Grading and Audit Services
Document Number: 08-928
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-03-04
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is increasing the fees and charges for Federal voluntary egg, poultry, and rabbit grading, certification, and audit services for the next two fiscal years, FY 2008 and FY 2009. The fees and charges are being increased by 2.76% to 7.74% to cover the increase in salaries of Federal employees, salary increases of State employees cooperatively utilized in administering the programs, and other increased Agency costs. AMS is required to collect fees from users of these services to cover the costs of services rendered.
Almonds Grown in California; Secretary's Decision and Referendum Order on Proposed Amendment of Marketing Order No. 981
Document Number: E8-4017
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-03-03
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This decision proposes amendments to Marketing Order No. 981 (order), which regulates the handling of almonds grown in California, and provides growers with the opportunity to vote in a referendum to determine if they favor the changes. The amendments are based on those proposed by the Almond Board of California (Board), which is responsible for local administration of the order. The amendments would authorize the establishment of different outgoing quality requirements for different markets and would authorize the establishment of bulk container marking and labeling requirements. The proposals are intended to provide additional flexibility in administering the quality control provisions of the order and provide the industry with additional tools for the marketing of almonds.
Walnuts Grown in California; Order Amending Marketing Order and Agreement No. 984
Document Number: E8-4016
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-03-03
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule amends the marketing order for walnuts grown in California. The amendments were proposed by the Walnut Marketing Board (Board), which is responsible for local administration of the order. The amendments will: Change the marketing year; include ``pack'' as a handler function; restructure the Board and revise nomination procedures; rename the Board and add authority to change Board composition; modify Board meeting and voting procedures; add authority for marketing promotion and paid advertising; add authority to accept voluntary financial contributions and to carry over excess assessment funds; broaden the scope of the quality control provisions and add the authority to recommend different regulations for different market destinations; add authority for the Board to appoint more than one inspection service; replace outdated order language with current industry terminology; and other related amendments. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposed three additional amendments: To establish tenure limitations for Board members, to require that continuance referenda be conducted on a periodic basis to ascertain producer support for the order, and to make any necessary conforming changes. With the exception of the amendment to establish tenure limitations, all of the amendments were favored by walnut growers in a mail referendum, held August 1 through 17, 2007. The proposed amendments are intended to improve the operation and functioning of the marketing order program.
Tart Cherries Grown in the States of Michigan, et al.; Final Free and Restricted Percentages for the 2007-2008 Crop Year for Tart Cherries
Document Number: E8-4008
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-03-03
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule establishes final free and restricted percentages for 2007-2008 crop year tart cherries covered under the Federal marketing order regulating tart cherries grown in seven states (order). The percentages are 57 percent free and 43 percent restricted and will establish the proportion of cherries from the 2007 crop which may be handled in commercial outlets. The percentages are intended to stabilize supplies and prices, and strengthen market conditions. The percentages were recommended by the Cherry Industry Administrative Board (Board), the body that locally administers the order. The order regulates the handling of tart cherries grown in the States of Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Establishment of Honey Packers and Importers Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order and Termination of the Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Order
Document Number: 08-900
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-03-03
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule proposes a new industry-funded research, promotion, consumer education, and information order for honey and honey products under the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 (1996 Act). The proposed Honey Packers and Importers Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order (Proposed Order) was submitted to the Department of Agriculture (Department) by the National Honey Packers and Dealers Association (Association). The Department is conducting an initial referendum to ascertain whether the persons to be covered by and assessed under the Proposed Order favor the Proposed Order prior to it going into effect. The Proposed Order would replace the existing Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Order (Current Order) for honey and honey products and the Current Order would be terminated. The Current Order is issued under the Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (Honey Act). In addition, USDA is announcing that a referendum will be conducted among eligible honey first handlers and importers to determine whether they favor the implementation of the Proposed Order. The Proposed Order would be implemented if it is approved by a majority of the eligible first handlers and importers voting in a referendum and by a majority of the volume of those voting in the referendum. A separate final rule on referendum procedures is being published in this issue of the Federal Register.
Honey Packers and Importers Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order; Referendum Procedures
Document Number: 08-899
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-03-03
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule establishes procedures which the Department of Agriculture (USDA or the Department) will use in conducting a referendum to determine whether the issuance of the proposed Honey Packers and Importers Research, Promotion, Consumer Education and Industry Information Order (Order) is favored by first handlers and importers of honey or honey products. The Order will be implemented if it is approved by a majority of the eligible first handlers and importers voting in the referendum, which also represents a majority of the volume of honey and honey products handled and imported during the representative period. These procedures will also be used for any subsequent referendum under the Order, if it is approved in the initial referendum. The proposed Order is being published separately in this issue of the Federal Register. This proposed program would be implemented under the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996.
Onions Grown in South Texas; Order Amending Marketing Order No. 959
Document Number: E8-3944
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-02-29
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule amends Marketing Order No. 959 (order), which regulates the handling of onions grown in South Texas. The amendments are based on those proposed by the South Texas Onion Committee (committee), which is responsible for local administration of the order, and the Department of Agriculture (USDA). The amendments will authorize interest and late payment charges on assessments not paid within a prescribed time period and require that a continuance referendum be conducted every six years to determine grower support for the order. The amendments were approved by onion growers in a mail referendum conducted from September 10 through September 28, 2007. The amendments are intended to improve the operation and functioning of the South Texas onion marketing order program. Proposed amendments that failed in referendum and are not included in this final order include authority for supplemental assessment rates, marketing promotion and paid advertising authority, and tenure limitations for committee members.
Milk in the Appalachian, Florida and Southeast Marketing Areas; Partial Recommended Decision and Opportunity To File Written Exceptions on Proposed Amendments to Tentative Marketing Agreements and Orders
Document Number: E8-3846
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-02-29
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This decision recommends adoption of proposals that would increase the maximum administrative assessment rate in the Appalachian, Florida and Southeast Federal milk marketing orders.
Tomatoes Grown in Florida; Decreased Assessment Rate
Document Number: E8-3801
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-02-29
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule which decreased the assessment rate established for the Florida Tomato Committee (Committee) for the 2007-08 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.035 to $0.0325 per 25-pound carton of tomatoes handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of tomatoes grown in Florida. Assessments upon tomato handlers are used by the Committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal period begins August 1 and ends July 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Onions Grown in South Texas; Increased Assessment Rate
Document Number: 08-898
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-02-29
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule would increase the assessment rate established for the South Texas Onion Committee (Committee) for the 2007-08 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.02 to $0.03 per 50-pound equivalent of onions handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of onions grown in South Texas. Assessments upon onion handlers are used by the Committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal period begins August 1 and ends July 31. The assessment rate would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Milk in the Appalachian, Florida and Southeast Marketing Areas; Tentative Decision and Opportunity To File Written Exceptions on Proposed Amendments to Tentative Marketing Agreements and to Orders
Document Number: 08-881
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-02-29
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This decision proposes to adopt on an interim final and emergency basis proposals that adjust the Class I pricing surface of the Appalachian, Southeast and Florida Federal milk marketing orders. In addition, this decision proposes to amend certain features of the diversion limit, touch-base standards and transportation credit provisions for the Appalachian and Southeast Federal milk marketing orders. Other proposals seeking to increase the maximum administrative assessment for the Appalachian, Florida and Southeast marketing orders is addressed in a separate decision. This decision requires determining if producers approve the issuance of the amended orders on an interim basis.
United States Standards for Grades of Table Grapes (European or Vinifera Type)
Document Number: 08-848
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-02-26
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This proposed rule would revise the United States Standards for Grades of Table Grapes (European or Vinifera Type). These standards are issued under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946. The changes being proposed are based on the request of the California Grape and Tree Fruit League (CGTFL) to revise the tolerances to include an allowance for shattered berries due to the change of pack style from mostly plain pack to consumer size units. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA), is proposing a revision to the voluntary standards to add a 5 percent allowance for shattered berries in consumer containers for shipment that are en route or at destination. The standards provide industry with a common language and a uniform basis for trading, thus promoting the orderly and efficient marketing of European or Vinifera Type table grapes.
Request for Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: E8-3496
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-02-25
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request a revision to the currently approved collections for 7 CFR Part 54Meats, Prepared Meats, and Meat Products (Grading, Certification, and Standards), which includes Form LS-313, ``Application for Service,'' Form LS-315, and ``Application for Commitment Grading or Certification Service''.
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